Final answer:
A CSF analysis or lumbar puncture is used to examine cerebrospinal fluid for cell count, protein, glucose, and pathogens to diagnose CNS conditions. The CSF circulates in the CNS, providing protection and filtration for the brain and spinal cord. Accompanied by a neurological exam, it assesses CNS function and diagnoses potential damage or disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examination of fluid from the CNS to detect pathogens and abnormalities, which is useful in diagnosing hemorrhages, tumors, and various diseases, is commonly referred to as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis or lumbar puncture. The procedure obtains CSF to count the cells in the fluid and estimate protein and glucose levels. These parameters are particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage and central nervous system infections like meningitis. A CSF culture can reveal the microorganism responsible for an infection, while the detection of oligoclonal bands can indicate ongoing inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, the beta-2 transferrin assay is particularly proficient in detecting CSF leaks.
CSF circulates through the CNS in the subarachnoid space, providing buoyancy and protection to the brain and spinal cord. This fluid filtrates from blood at the choroid plexuses, traverses through the ventricles, and is eventually reabsorbed into the blood from the arachnoid granulations, carrying away metabolic wastes.
The neurological exam complements the CSF analysis by providing a clinical assessment tool to examine specific parts of the CNS for damage or disease, with divisions that assess mental status, cranial nerves, sensory and motor functions, and coordination.